Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Jeff, Christal, Toni, Chris and Josiah waiting for the ceremony to start

The wedding site

Kenny and me

The Bride's grandfather and father

Papaw giving Sus some advise!

Nana, Olivia and Heather arriving on the hayride.

Susanna and Bryce cutting the cake

On the morning after Samantha's graduation, Kenny and I got up at 4 AM and headed to Jacksonville. (Jess stayed with Louise, Dirt and Leigh until they could meet up with Mom and Dad.) We flew out for Branson, Missouri to finally end up in Neosho! We had a lay-over in Atlanta and met Jeff, Christal, Megan, Toni and Chris and we all made the 2nd leg of the filight together. Susanna, Kerry's youngest, got married on Sunday. Jeff, Christal, Megan, Kenny and I got into Neosho and checked into the hotel-Neosho is a story all it's own-and were able to help Kerry and Becky out at the wedding "venue". The wedding actually took place in a pasture! In fact, guest rode a hay wagon down to the site! I have to say, it was different! But, the kids had built an arbor and Becky had really worked hard on the reception, which was BEFORE the wedding! And with no electricity-that was quite an accomplishment! The ceremony itself was really sweet! Kerry performed it and did a great job.

After the ceremony, we headed to Branson for a couple of nights. Jeff, Christal and Megan flew out on Monday and Toni and Chris came to Branson with Stephanie and her kids for the night before we all flew home together! Monday night, Stephanie went with Kenny and me to a show while Momma T and Pappa C babysat! While we were in Branson we were able to visit with Kenny's aunt and uncle from Oklahoma. It is always good to get to see Bob and Virginia.

On Tuesday, we all got up to head to the airport! After a 2 1/2 hour delay in Branson and fortunately a delay in Atlanta-Kenny and I made the plane to Jacksonville. We were late getting home and Mom had been sick all day Tuesday, so Karen and Ervin were at the house with Jess. Thanks to Mom and Dad and Karen and Ervin!!

After what turned out to be a super long day, we were glad to be home but so glad that we had been able to work it out to go! I wish I could write like Laurie because I promise I could have you all cracking up about the entire trip. Now that all the TICKS are off of us, we are settled in for the summer!!!

Friday, June 5, 2009

I have been neglectful in blogging about Samantha's final days of high school. I know we have been here before and with each niece/nephew graduating it seems to bring a different feeling...but Samantha has been around our house so much since Jess was born and especially since we moved to Dasher! She has been my "go-to" babysitter, picker-up from school person, and many other "duties as assigned", but I have done some things for her, too-not that either one of us are keeping score!!!

The Senior Class of 2009 before Senior chapel

We did survive Senior chapel and graduation! Samantha did a great job on her speech and I am thinking I was the only one that cried!!! I am so proud of her and all of her accomplishments thoughout high school-she is a great kid!

Samantha during her "farwell address"-before she started crying!!!

Samantha and "Jeffords"-longtime BFFs

Samantha's car after chapel--a few who were very proud of their work!!

I was feeling really bad about not updating my blog...until I checked out everyone else's and realized everybody must be busy, or at least enjoying the summer, too! We had a great last day of school! The teachers and one of the Dad's cooked breakfast-eggs, bacon, grits and hash browns! It was great and the kids loved it, of course we had the entire school building smelling like bacon so everyone was coming by to check it out! Then for lunch the teachers bought all the kids Happy Meals and I had volunteered to make a cake and bring ice cream. Why do I always open my mouth about my ideas, instead of just surprising people? I had the idea of getting Samantha to help me decorate a cute summer cake. Samantha was busy with her school closing so I had to make it on my own-remember, I am not a cake decorator-maybe I should have called Ryan Jackson;) I am going to try and post my collage and Jess is up so we are going to try and hit the pool before any more rain!!!! More update to follow, I hope!

HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

A meeting was held quite far from earth, It was time again for another birth. Said the angels to the Lord above- "This child needs much love, her accomplishments she may not show. And she'll require extra care from the folks she meets down there. She may not run or laugh or play.Her thoughts may seem quite far away. So many times she will be labeled "different", "helpless", and "disabled". So let's be careful where she's sent. We want her life to be content. Please Lord; find parents who will do a special job for you. They will not realize right away the leading role they are asked to play. But with this child sent from above comes stronger faith and richer love.And soon they'll know their privilege given in caring for their gift from heaven. Their precious charge so meek and mild is Heaven's Very Special Child."